1 Feb, 2014
China becomes largest investor in Laos
VIENTIANE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) — China has become the largest investor in Laos with over 5 billion U.S. dollars invested in the country, said Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabing. Guan’s comments came at the launch of a photo exhibition jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Laos, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Laos […]
more…1 Feb, 2014
Frugality “in” at this year’s Chinese Spring Festival
Beijing, (Xinhua), February 01, 2014 – Fewer banquets, gifts and galas; more reunion meals at home instead of restaurants; grassroots cultural shows: the Chinese observe Spring Festival frugally but still have fun. The frugality campaign, launched late in 2012 by central authorities, has brought big changes to the most important Chinese holiday, this year. “In […]
more…1 Feb, 2014
“It Begins With the People” – Bangkok Braces for Complete Shutdown on Feb 2, E-Day
The following is a day by day summary of the Thailand protests in January 2014, issued by Security Alert Service. Friday 31, January 2014 – On Dec 28, 2013 (protest leader) Suthep (Thaugsuban) declared that the entire capital Bangkok will be completely shut down by millions of people opposing the Thaksin regime. Addressing several thousands […]
more…1 Feb, 2014
Impotent UN Looks On as Israel Continues House Demolitions, Displacement of Palestinians
United Nations, Jan 31 2014 – A senior United Nations relief official today called for a halt to the displacement of Palestinians in the Jordan Valley, after 66 people, including 36 children, were uprooted in the latest round of Israeli demolitions in the area. The call by James W. Rawley, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for […]
more…1 Feb, 2014
FREE Download: Study Says Mobile Shopping Made Consumers Over-Spend On Holiday Season Gifts
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2014 – With the best of intentions, holiday shoppers enter each new holiday season with a plan in mind about how much they plan to spend on gifts, what they plan to purchase, and their top destinations. To help retailers navigate the complexities of the holiday shopping experience and […]
more…31 Jan, 2014
Chinese ex-World Bank economist calls for global shift away from dollar
Beijing, 2014-01-29- (China Daily) The World Bank’s former chief economist wants to replace the US dollar with a single global super-currency, saying it will create a more stable global financial system. “The dominance of the greenback is the root cause of global financial and economic crises,” Justin Yifu Lin told Bruegel, a Brussels-based policy-research think […]
more…31 Jan, 2014
Chinese President stresses ethnic unity in development
HOHHOT, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed ethnic unity for the economic and social development in minority areas, while extending New Year greetings to people of all ethnic groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping (C, front) watch the winter Nadam Fair with local people in Xilinhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. […]
more…31 Jan, 2014
70% of Chinese tourists to head overseas during Spring Season festival
Beijing, (Xinhua), January 30, 2014 – Global tourism destinations expect to see a bigger influx of visitors from the Chinese mainland during the Spring Festival holiday. More than 70 percent of mainland tourists plan to travel overseas during the seven-day holiday, which starts on Jan 31. It is the first time that more tourists have […]
more…30 Jan, 2014
FREE Download: UNDP report says humanity “deeply unequal” despite impressive progress
United Nations, (Jan 29, 2014) UNDP media release– A sustained reduction in inequality requires a shift to more inclusive growth patterns – supported by redistributive polices and changes in social norms – says a report launched today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark. The richest one percent of the world population […]
more…30 Jan, 2014
FREE Download: UNESCO report says global learning crisis will impact generations of children
PARIS, (UNESCO media release) 29.01.2014 – The 11th Education for All Global Monitoring Report reveals that a global learning crisis is costing governments $129 billion a year. Ten per cent of global spending on primary education is being lost on poor quality education that is failing to ensure that children learn. This situation leaves one […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
Rich Man’s Club caucus at Davos still failing workers, Unions say
An International Trades Union Congress Global Poll of 13 countries has found 87 percent of people say their wages are falling behind the cost of living or stagnant. One out of eight respondents said they are struggling financially and can no longer pay for basic living expenses. John Evans, Chief Economist, International Trade Union Confederation, […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
India to Boost Nationwide Museum Excellence In Pact with Art Institute of Chicago
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Culture, 29-January-2014 – The Vivekananda Memorial Programme for Museum Excellence is the result of a landmark agreement signed between the Ministry of Culture and the Art Institute of Chicago on 28th January 2012. It was decided to create a living testament of Swami Vivekananda’s legacy by establishing a […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
Survey: Demographics, Technology Spurring Pace of Change in U.S. Shopping Landscape
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 28, 2014 — Acosta Sales & Marketing, a full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, has released its bi-annual The Why? Behind The Buy™ report. Identifying the top trends affecting the grocery industry, the ninth edition of The Why? Behind The Buy — compiled by AMG Strategic […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
U.S. Ageing Society Seeks Immigration Reform to Allow in More Care-givers
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 28, 2014 – With close to one-quarter of voters this November expected to be over age 65, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggests five ways Congress can help seniors this year—especially those in greatest need. 1. Restore funding for and modernize aging services The Older Americans Act (OAA) funds critical services that […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
Survey: High Correlation Between Response to Feedback and Perception of Being Valued
MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – January 28, 2014 — Verint® Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNT) today announced the results from an Ipsos* survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers that explored customer satisfaction and engagement experiences with service providers and brands. The study highlights a link between customers receiving attention from service providers and feeling valued. It also reveals […]
more…29 Jan, 2014
Nielsen: Global Consumer Confidence Holds Steady, Spending Intentions Retreat
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)- January 29, 2014 – Global consumer confidence held steady at 94 for three consecutive quarters, ending 2013 one point higher than it started (Q1 2013) and three points higher than the same time period the previous year (Q4 2012), according to consumer confidence findings from Nielsen, a leading global provider of information […]
more…28 Jan, 2014
“Within Every Crisis Lies an Opportunity” — Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia – 27 January, 2014: Looking to convert a crisis into an opportunity, Thailand is urging travel trade buyers and guests to take their business to the provincial destinations, where the situation is perfectly normal. Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik (3rd from right) Addressing a packed media conference at the […]
more…27 Jan, 2014
China accelerates global hunt for top skills
Beijing, (China Daily) January 26, 2014 – China will speed up the exploration of immigration policies this year to attract skilled foreign workers, a senior official said on Thursday. However, Zhang Jianguo, head of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, did not give details on when the policies will be introduced. Experts said Zhang’s […]
more…27 Jan, 2014
China braces for 100 million travellers over Spring Festival holiday
BEIJING, Jan. 26, (Xinhua) — The number of Chinese passengers is expected to top 100 million a day during the next few days as the week-long Spring Festival holiday approaches, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Sunday. “We forecast that travelers on roads and waterways on Sunday will reach more than 99 million and one […]
more…27 Jan, 2014
Gallup Polls: In U.S., Dissatisfaction With How Gov’t System Works At Highest Point Ever
WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 22, 2014 – (Gallup Polls) – Sixty-five percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the nation’s system of government and how well it works, the highest percentage in Gallup’s trend since 2001. Dissatisfaction is up five points since last year, and has edged above the previous high from 2012 (64%). These findings […]
more…27 Jan, 2014
Gallup Polls: Baby Boomers Put More Money Than Trust in Banks
This article is part of an ongoing series analyzing how baby boomers — those born from 1946-1964 in the U.S. — behave differently from other generations as consumers and in the workplace. The series also explores how the aging of the baby boomer generation will affect politics and well-being. WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 21, 2014 […]
more…27 Jan, 2014
Gallup Polls: Baby Boomers to Push U.S. Politics in the Years Ahead
This article is part of an ongoing series analyzing how baby boomers — those born from 1946-1964 in the U.S. — behave differently from other generations as consumers and in the workplace. The series also explores how the aging of the baby boomer generation will affect politics and well-being. PRINCETON, NJ — January 23, 2014 […]
more…26 Jan, 2014
Study helps scientists quantify positive effect of meditation
Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 24, 2014 – A new study of meditation confirms that this ancient practice aimed at achieving wellbeing can also reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and even pain. The research, conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, was published January 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine. “The findings are very encouraging […]
more…26 Jan, 2014
China confident of weathering QE exit shocks
BEIJING, Jan. 24 -(Xinhua)- China is capable and confident of withstanding possible shocks from the U.S. exit from quantitative easing (QE), said an official of China’s foreign exchange regulator on Friday. The remarks were made by Guan Tao, head of the Balance of Payments Department of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, at a press […]
more…26 Jan, 2014
China identifies the Top Ten international security issues in 2014
Beijing, January 25, 2014 — In 2014, is there any possibility that the U.S. will use force against Syria? The situation in Afghanistan may well spiral out of control after US troops withdraw from Afghanistan. Will the U.S. show some restraint after the PRISM scandal? There are many such questions. In brief: compared with 2013, […]
more…26 Jan, 2014
China Daily commentator: US should stop lecturing China
Beijing, 2014-01-24, (China Daily) – The China-US Asia-Pacific Consultations held in Beijing this week was inaugurated in 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii, to reflect the commitment by the two nations’ leaders to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship. The proper phrase for which is building a new type of major country relationship. However, rhetoric and […]
more…26 Jan, 2014
Are global cities now too big for their own good?
Beijing, 2014-01-25 (China Daily) – Air pollution, traffic congestion, high realty prices… one after another, the problems every resident in Beijing faces have come up for discussion at the ongoing annual meeting of the Beijing municipal people’s congress. Actually, what Beijingers are enduring is typical urban angst, something that has been experienced by people in […]
more…25 Jan, 2014
Global Leaders Finally Wake Up, Agree that Health is Wealth
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 25 January 2014 (WEF media release) – On the last day of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2014, public and private sector leaders affirmed the strong economic case for investing in health as a means to achieving long-term growth. “The very title of the session says it all,” said moderator Arianna Huffington, […]
more…25 Jan, 2014
Fujitsu Labs Develops Technology Capable of Searching Encrypted Data to Maintain Privacy
Tokyo, Jan 15, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced the development of a technology that can perform concealed searches of encrypted data in its encrypted form. Searching data while it is encrypted makes it possible to maintain a high level of privacy with no risk of leaks – particularly important for […]
more…25 Jan, 2014
Future of the Digital Age: “Europe can prove it is more trustworthy than U.S.”
World Economic Forum, Davos, 22 January 2014 – The global revelations of spying by the US National Security Agency have undermined the competitive position of American companies and opened up a big opportunity for Europe to become “known as the world’s safest, securest online space.” Speaking at the Davos World Economic Forum, Neelie Kroes, Vice-President […]
more…24 Jan, 2014
U.S. Unwinding of Quantitative Easing Prompts Risk Warnings in Leading Economies
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 24 January 2014 (WEF media release) – As the US Federal Reserve begins its tapering of quantitative easing, and the sharp drop in UK unemployment suggests that the Bank of England may soon follow, leading finance officials and experts in a session on monetary policy at the 44th Annual Meeting of the World […]
more…24 Jan, 2014
Thai monk wows ASEAN travel show with “Punch-Line” bone-therapy
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia — A 49-year-old Thai Buddhist monk wowed the ASEAN Tourism Forum Travel Exchange here this week with free “Punch-Line” bone therapy massages that saw dozens of participants walking away refreshed and energetic. Indeed, the surprise first-time presence by the Thai Tradition Alternative Medical Centre has paved the way for a significant broadening […]
more…22 Jan, 2014
India Approves Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor
New Delhi, 20-January-2014 – The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for setting up the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) and formation of the AKIC Development Corporation (AKICDC). The AKIC is proposed to be developed in a band of 150-200 kms on either side of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), in a phased manner, and would […]
more…22 Jan, 2014
Europe Worries About Its Poverty Levels, and Related Social Issues
Brussels, 21 January 2014 – European Commission Press release – A significant increase in poverty among the working age population is one of the most tangible social consequences of the economic crisis. A gradual reduction of unemployment levels may not be enough to reverse this situation if wage polarisation continues, notably due to a rise […]
more…22 Jan, 2014
Pope Calls on Travel Industry to Indulge in “Deeper Reflection” of Global Problems
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2014 – In a message that should be heard and heeded by travel & tourism industry leaders worldwide, Pope Francis sent a special message to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, expressing hope that the world’s business and political leaders would use the meeting to reflect more deeply on […]
more…21 Jan, 2014
FREE Download: Report Shows How #GenMobile Is Shaking up Traditional Work Patterns
SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-January 21, 2014-Aruba Networks (NASDAQ:ARUN) today asks businesses across the globe ‘Are you ready for #GenMobile?’ by launching a report that explores a new breed of employee that is changing the workplace as we know it. The report, which surveyed 5,000+ respondents worldwide1, reveals characteristics of the newly dubbed #GenMobile, a group of […]
more…21 Jan, 2014
CEOs Spend a Night on Los Angeles Streets To See How It Feels to be Poor
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — On November 21, 2013, Global Holdings CEO, Sam Solakyan, joined business leaders across North America for the Annual Covenant House Sleep Out. The Sleep Out was a nationwide event orchestrated by Covenant House, where for one night CEOs and prominent businessmen and women left behind the comforts of their […]
more…21 Jan, 2014
Engaged, financially-struggling baby boomers reluctant to retire, more likely to work longer
This article is part of an ongoing series analyzing how baby boomers — those born from 1946-1964 in the U.S. — behave differently from other generations as consumers and in the workplace. The series also explores how the aging of the baby boomer generation will affect politics and well-being. WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 20, 2014 […]
more…21 Jan, 2014
In U.S., 67% Dissatisfied With Income, Wealth Distribution
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 20, 2014 (Gallup Polls) — Two out of three Americans are dissatisfied with the way income and wealth are currently distributed in the U.S. This includes three-fourths of Democrats and 54% of Republicans. President Barack Obama spoke about income disparities in a Dec. 4, 2013, speech, saying he wanted to prioritize lowering income […]
more…19 Jan, 2014
ASEAN Tourism: The Power of 10 and the 10 Factors Driving Growth
KUCHING, MALAYSIA: Research and the very latest data released today by the Thammasat University College of Innovation shows that the 10 ASEAN countries will have welcomed the historic number of tourism arrivals of 100 million during 2013 and will likely show a significant increase on that in 2014, given the trajectory of the previous year’s […]
more…18 Jan, 2014
Why clean toilets are important for the future of ASEAN Tourism
Kuching — It may sound like a laughing matter, but the move to start an ASEAN tourist toilet clean-up is actually a serious issue, with broad ramifications for the future of ASEAN tourism. In 2015, if current levels of tourism growth are sustained, ASEAN visitor arrivals will cross the 100 million mark (click on the […]
more…18 Jan, 2014
Food aplenty, but 840 million people still go hungry every day – FAO
17 January 2014, Berlin, FAO media release – Creating healthy and sustainable food systems is key to overcome hunger and malnutrition around the globe, said Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General at the Green Week in Berlin today. “Food production has tripled since 1945 and average food availability per person has risen by 40 percent,” Semedo […]
more…17 Jan, 2014
ASEAN Moves to Provide Quality Toilets to Attract Quality Tourists
Kuching, Malaysia – The process of ASEAN tourism integration could yield its finest result by 2015 with moves to upgrade and standardise the quality of public toilets at all places of tourist interest, transit points and popular shopping areas across the 10 member countries. For the first time, heads of ASEAN national tourism organisations were […]
more…17 Jan, 2014
Smog, strong yuan, blamed for sharp fall in tourism to Beijing
Beijing, (China Daily) – January 13, 2014 – Beijing witnessed an unexpected sharp drop in inbound tourism in 2013, as tourism officials looked for ways to reverse the trend. From January to November, the city recorded 4.2 million visitors, down 10.3 percent year-on-year, the Beijing Tourism Development Commission reported. The commission blamed the weak global […]
more…17 Jan, 2014
European Economic Committee backs criminal sanctions against financial terrorists
Brussels, 9 January 2014, European Commission memo – The leading committee of the European Parliament for Economic matters has today given its support to a European Commission proposal for criminal sanctions to tackle the abuse and manipulation of financial markets (IP/11/1218). The Parliament’s Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) unanimously backed an agreement on the […]
more…17 Jan, 2014
Only One in Four Americans Satisfied With Direction of U.S.
PRINCETON, NJ, Jan 13, 2014 (Gallup Polls)– Twenty-three percent of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. at this time, unchanged from December and within one percentage point of the 24% average for 2013. This month’s reading is seven points higher than last year’s low of 16% in […]
more…17 Jan, 2014
FREE Download: Study says NSA Bulk Surveillance Programs Do Little to Prevent Terrorism
WASHINGTON, DC January 13, 2014, (New America Foundation media release) – In the wake of the uproar caused by the leaks from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, President Obama, the NSA director and members of Congress defended the NSA surveillance programs by claiming they helped thwart more than 50 potential terrorist events in more than […]
more…16 Jan, 2014
Video-surveillance: European watchdog ensures privacy compliance
Brussels, 13 January 2014 (European Commission media release) – In a report issued today, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) highlights his overall satisfaction with the video-surveillance systems of four Luxembourg-based EU bodies that were inspected on 9 and 10 July 2013. Giovanni Buttarelli, Assistant EDPS, says: “Since we issued our video-surveillance Guidelines in 2010, […]
more…16 Jan, 2014
Beijing sets sights on park venues in corruption drive
Beijing (China Daily ) 2014-01-16 – Private clubs and high-end entertainment venues in Beijing‘s public parks have become the latest target of the nation’s clean-governance campaign. Authorities in the capital asked such establishments on Wednesday to close, one day after President Xi Jinping said that “regulations should not become paper tigers or scarecrows”. Recent Chinese […]
more…16 Jan, 2014
China moving to grow bilateral visa-free travel pacts
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), January 15, 2014 – All of us like things to be simple when we travel, but Chinese citizens normally need to spend months preparing lots of documents and doing some serious leg-work in terms of organizing their paperwork ahead of their overseas holidays. Now here is the good news: China is […]
more…16 Jan, 2014
Awaiting Santi Claus: Can Thailand Walk the Talk of Its Tourism Slogans?
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand last year launched a new two-part slogan “Amazing Thailand: It Begins with the People.” The “Amazing Thailand” part was launched in 1998. The add-on part, “It Begins With the People,” is confusing those watching the political drama on the streets of Bangkok and some provincial cities. The question […]
more…13 Jan, 2014
Peace Prevails on Day One of “Bangkok Shutdown” Political Protests
A round-up of key developments on Day 1 of the Bangkok Shutdown anti-government protests. (+) The day passed peacefully, with plenty of fiery rhetoric but no clashes or conflicts. Anti-government protestors blockaded intersections at 7 key city spots and spent the day listening to thundering speeches and being entertained by popular Thai musicians and performers, […]
more…11 Jan, 2014
To cut budget deficit, U.S. govt making airline pax its “personal ATM”
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 09, 2014 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, issued the following statement urging Members of Congress to reject any new taxes or fee increases on airline passengers under consideration in the Omnibus appropriations bill: EDITOR’S COMMENT Ever wondered why IATA, PATA, UNWTO, WTTC and other […]
more…11 Jan, 2014
New Integrated Terminal Raises Mumbai International Airport to World-Class Level
Mumbai – A New Integrated Terminal (T2) has opened at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Mumbai. Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address at the inauguration: “I believe today marks a very important special occasion in the development of the civil aviation sector in our country. I am delighted to […]
more…11 Jan, 2014
How Would Dr. Martin Luther King React to NSA Spying?
How would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., have reacted to recent revelations that the U.S. government is collecting and storing nearly every citizen’s phone records and gathering their electronic data? From 1958 until his 1968 assassination, the FBI conducted extensive surveillance on Dr. King, amassing over 17,000 pages of material on his day-to-day activities. Today […]
more…10 Jan, 2014
Thai Travel Industry Advisories on Airport Commutes for “Bangkok Shutdown Day” and beyond
Bangkok – The Association of Thai Travel Agents is coordinating with the Airports of Thailand to provide alternative transportation facilities for visitors who will need to commute to and from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and various points in the city during the anti-government “Bangkok shutdown” period on Monday 13 January 2014, and possibly […]
more…10 Jan, 2014
11 Early Warnings to Prepare for the Tsunami of Change
Bangkok – Exactly 10 years ago this year, a devastating tsunami struck numerous parts of Asia, causing extensive death and damage in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries with coastal areas bordering the Indian Ocean. Of the many preventive and protective measures taken in its aftermath, one of the most important was the setting […]
more…9 Jan, 2014
India Calls on Overseas Diaspora to Help Build Country’s Brand Image
New Delhi, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, 08-January-2014 – Minister of External Affairs Mr. Salman Khurshid, has exhorted the overseas Indians to become India’s best ambassadors to spread and popularize the country’s values, beliefs, culture and heritage overseas. Presiding over the session on ‘India Soft Power’ on Day-2 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014, (the annual […]
more…8 Jan, 2014
As Thailand Beats the Crisis, ASEAN Edges Close to 100 million mark for 2013
Bangkok- In spite of being hit by political disruptions in November 2013, Thailand still recorded 2.39 million arrivals that month, up 11.9% over November 2012. In total, the figure for Jan-November 2013 was 24.13 million arrivals, up 21.1%% over the same period of 2012. Final figures for 2013 will be out in a few weeks […]
more…7 Jan, 2014
Indian Rising Star AAP: An Asian Alternative Paradigm in the making?
The emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP, or Common Man Party) in India is another strong indication of a rising Asian Century. Having come from nowhere to assume governance of the Indian capital of New Delhi, the party’s revolutionary platform has all the hallmarks of an emerging Asian Alternative Paradigm (the other AAP). In […]
more…7 Jan, 2014
Pew Research: Worldwide, Richest 3% Hold One-Fifth of Collective Income
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 3, 2014 — Across 131 countries worldwide, the richest 3% of residents hold 20% of the total collective household income — as do the poorest 54%. In other words, the 3% reporting the highest household incomes share the same “slice” of collective income across countries that more than half of residents worldwide […]
more…3 Jan, 2014
Pew Research shows which countries Americans like … and don’t
December 30, 2013 (Pew Research Centre) – The trend among the U.S. public increasingly has been to turn away from international issues and focus on the home front. But while Americans have long been accused of lacking interest in the rest of the world, they have never lacked strong opinions about other countries. As 2013 […]
more…3 Jan, 2014
More than half of cellphone owners affected by ‘distracted walking’ – Pew Research
January 2, 2014 (Pew Research Centre) – Stories about cellphone distractions are rarely out of the news these days. A new law in Illinois went into effect on January 1, prohibiting drivers from using cellphones that are not hands-free and California tightened its rules by making it illegal for drivers under 18 to use voice-activated texting, […]
more…2 Jan, 2014
“Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2014” launched
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 01-January-2014 – The Ministry of Tourism today launched the ‘Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2014.” The calendar containing 24 photographs on double sided paper was launched by Tourism Secretary Mr. Parvez Dewan. He said that every State has been covered and suitable regions/ regional balance has been maintained. All the north-eastern […]
more…26 Dec, 2013
Chemist Direct warns against excessive drinking during the holiday season
London (PRWEB UK) 25 December 2013 – Government figures show 10 million adults in England regularly exceed the recommended daily limits, increasing their risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, liver disease and various cancers. NHS guidelines advise no more than two to three units a day for women or three to four […]
more…26 Dec, 2013
India-U.S. row: The Return of the Ugly American
Thursday, 26 December 2013 – Consider two cases of consular officials two years apart. One shoots and kills two locals, the other pays her nanny below local minimum but above home wages. Had host-country law prevailed, the first — Raymond Davis, a CIA contractor in Lahore — could have faced the death sentence. Instead he was brought […]
more…25 Dec, 2013
Americans Urged to Reject NSA Domestic Spying by Opposing the FISA Improvements Act
by ROBERT MCCAW for ISLAMiCommentary DECEMBER 24, 2013 – Your privacy rights depend on Congress rejecting the FISA Improvements Act (S. 1631). Introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the bill seeks to codify and expand the National Security Agency’s (NSA) mass domestic surveillance programs, authorizing the spy agency’s bulk collection of nearly every citizen’s phone records and […]
more…25 Dec, 2013
Christmas in Israeli-occupied Bethlehem by Prof Mazin Qumsiyeh
Christmas 2013 in Bethlehem (Beit Laham, Aramaic for House of Laham, the Canaanitic God of Sustenance) is still a very special and meaningful time even under the brutal Israeli apartheid occupation. We are not talking about the visual aspects and the unique religious services at the Church of Nativity (you can now follow these live […]
more…24 Dec, 2013
Indonesia Calls for More Vigorous Efforts to Support Palestine
Jakarta, December 23 2013, (Antara News) – Indonesia has been supporting Palestine consistently and incessantly over the past six decades and has pledged to continue to do so until an independent Palestine state is established. The endless support is not because majority of Palestinian and Indonesian people are Muslims, but above all, it is based […]
more…22 Dec, 2013
China’s four tasks for building new-type relationship with major powers
(People’s Daily Online) December 19, 2013 – Sino-US and Sino-Russia relations are two of China’s major concerns in building its new-type relations with major powers. Former Chinese ambassador to Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia An Huihou listed four key targets for China at the 2013 China and World Forum held in Beijing on Monday. 1. Domestic […]
more…21 Dec, 2013
What are Chinese teenagers who go abroad looking for
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), December 19, 2013 – Decades ago there was a generation of Chinese people who took overseas educational qualifications and found high-paying jobs on their return. They were considered very fortunate people, and dubbed “sea turtles”- returning home to a promising future. Today most overseas Chinese students were born post-1990 – they […]
more…21 Dec, 2013
India hits back at U.S. over arrest of its diplomat, curbs privileges of U.S. embassy officials
Ministry of External Affairs, 20-December-2013 – Following is the text of the External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid’s intervention in Rajya Sabha on the discussion on the arrest of an Indian Diplomat in USA: Sir, I rise with a very heavy heart. But, I also rise with a sense and confidence that this House has expressed […]
more…21 Dec, 2013
Air Pollution Costing Europe €23 billion / year; Clean-up package approved
Brussels, 18 December 2013, European Commission Press release – The human toll for poor air quality is worse than for road traffic accidents, making it the number one environmental cause of premature death in the EU. It also impacts the quality of life due to asthma or respiratory problems. The Commission is responding with new […]
more…21 Dec, 2013
New award shines a spotlight on Europe’s biodiversity
Brussels, 19 December 2013 (European Commission Press release) – The European Commission is launching a Natura 2000 Award to recognise excellence in best practices for nature conservation in Europe. If you are involved in activities related to Natura 2000, this could be your chance to shine. Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas of […]
more…20 Dec, 2013
Australia releases report on universities financial results
Canberra, 19 December 2013, Minister for Education – Australia’s universities recorded a financially sound 2012, according to the latest aggregated report on their financial health released today. Minister for Education, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today released the Finance 2012: Financial Reports of Higher Education Providers. The report shows revenue for the sector including vocational […]
more…20 Dec, 2013
Australians warned to steer clear of “stem cell tourism”
Canberra, 19 December 2013 – The National Health and Medical Research Council has warned that unproven stem cell treatments available in Australia and overseas could pose risks to the health and well-being of patients. Today, NHMRC released ‘Stem Cell Treatments – a Quick Guide for Medical Practitioners’ and the patient-targeted document ‘Stem Cell Treatments – […]
more…20 Dec, 2013
Tourism generated A$115 million a day for Australia, ABS report
Canberra, 19 December 2013, (Australian Bureau of Statistics) – Tourism contributed over $115 million a day to the Australian economy and outpaced the growth of industries such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Tourism GDP grew 3.7 per cent during 2012-13, compared to 2.4 […]
more…20 Dec, 2013
Native American and Indigenous Studies Academics Vote to Join Boycott of Israel
Full text: Declaration of Support for the Boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions by the Council of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association December 15, 2013 – The council of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA) declares its support for the boycott of Israeli academic institutions. A broad coalition of Palestinian non-governmental organizations, […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Defeat for PATA: UK unlikely to adjust APD
12.16.2013. Source: West Indies News Network- The British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean says she does not expect her government to revisit its Air Passenger Duty (APD) rate to the Caribbean any time soon. “It’s something that lots of people around the Caribbean have raised with me, and they’re right to do […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Gallup Poll: Record High in U.S. Say Big Government Greatest Threat, Snowden Revelations Seen as Factor
PRINCETON, NJ, Gallup Organisation (December 18, 2013) — Seventy-two percent of Americans say big government is a greater threat to the U.S. in the future than is big business or big labor, a record high in the nearly 50-year history of this question. The prior high for big government was 65% in 1999 and 2000. […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: Global Study of Urban Mobility Analyses Transport Systems in 66 Cities
Management consultancy Arthur D Little’s new global study of urban mobility assesses mobility maturity and performance of 66 cities worldwide and finds most falling well below best practice. This report highlights what is holding them back, showcases best practice and identifies three strategic imperatives for cities and three clusters of future business models for mobility […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Americans produce six times more e-waste per capita than Chinese, global report shows
Bonn, Dec 15, 2013 (StEP Secretariat) — By 2017, all of that year’s end-of-life refrigerators, TVs, mobile phones, computers, monitors, e-toys and other products with a battery or electrical cord worldwide could fill a line of 40-ton trucks end-to-end on a highway straddling three quarters of the Equator. That startling forecast, based on data compiled […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: U.S. “tapering” will trigger 2014 Asia-Pacific economic slowdown, UN report warns
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section), 19 December 2013 – Growth will remain subpar in developing Asia-Pacific countries in 2014, affected by slow recovery, policy uncertainty and protectionism in developed countries, as well as domestic structural impediments, such as growing inequality, according to the latest United Nations macroeconomic projections for the region released […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
South-South Trade Skyrocketing to Record Levels, UNCTAD Statistics Show
Geneva, 17 December 2013 – World merchandise exports have more than tripled over the last two decades and reached US$18 trillion (in current prices) in 2012, with a quarter of that trade comprising exports among developing countries – so-called “South-South” trade — which reached a record $4.7 trillion, according to the UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: As Myanmar Booms, So Does Opium Production, UNODC Report Says
18 December 2013 – Led by a 13 per cent increase in Myanmar opium cultivation to 57,800 hectares (from 51,000 ha in 2012), opium poppy cultivation in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle of Myanmar, Lao PDR and Thailand rose for the seventh consecutive year, according to a new UNODC report. The report, Southeast Asia Opium Survey […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: UN Report “World Economic Prospects 2014”
New York, 18 December, (UN News Centre) — Global economic growth should increase over the next two years with continuing signs of improvement, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 (WESP) report, launched today. The global economy is expected to grow at a pace of 3.0 per cent in 2014 and […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Cruises gaining ground among Chinese tourists
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), December 18, 2013 – Chinese tourists are beginning to shift their gaze from the landscape on the mainland to the blue ocean, after China’s tourism administration decided to make 2013 the Year of Marine Tourism. A variety of marine holidays are driving new demand. A voyage on a cruise ship is […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
The bottle opener, cooking syringe and egg whisk: Is “modern” architecture ruining Chinese cities?
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), December 17, 2013 – Since China entered the modern era, a modernist trend in architecture has swept the country. The design of modern Chinese buildings is deeply influenced by western styles; traditional Chinese architecture has generally disappeared from view and some inappropriate elements of western construction are taking hold in China’s […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Chinese visiting Philippines down by 70%
MANILA, (Xinhua) 2013-12-17 – The number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines declined by 70 percent this year compared to figures registered three or four years ago, the Bureau of Immigration said Tuesday. Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison said the Chinese had been the country’s top visitors before they were dislodged by the Koreans two years ago. […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Tax revenues continue to rise across the OECD
Paris, (OECD media release), 17/12/2013 – Tax revenues continue bouncing back from the low levels reported in almost all countries during 2008 and 2009, at the height of the global economic crisis, according to new OECD data in the annual Revenue Statistics publication. The average tax revenue to GDP ratio in OECD countries was 34.6% [1] in […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Yunnan reopens land routes to Southeast Asia
Kunming, (China Daily ) 2013-12-17 – Thirteen overland routes between Yunnan province and neighboring Southeast Asian countries were reopened on Monday after eight years of suspension, providing a boost for tourism and other businesses in the region. On hearing the news, local tourism agencies were overjoyed at the prospect of increased numbers of tourists traveling […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: U.S. Consumers League Policy Paper on “State of Identity Theft 2013”
WASHINGTON-December 16, 2013-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Speaking at a National Consumers League event on identity theft, FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said Thursday that more can be done by the private sector and government to protect consumers and businesses from identity theft. “It’s clear to me that we need to do more,” said Ramirez, who called for the government […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
ADB Assistance to Philippines Typhoon Recovery Reaches $1 Billion
MANILA, 18 December 2013 (ADB media release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has so far approved $900 million in assistance for livelihood restoration, infrastructure reconstruction climate resilience initiatives in communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda, as well as budget support to the Government of the Philippines. In addition to the loans and grants already approved by […]
more…19 Dec, 2013
Israeli Blockade of Palestinian Students, Scholars Triggers ASA Academic Boycott Vote
The following is the full text of the statement issued by the American Studies Association on a vote to boycott Israeli academic institutions. The historic vote is likely to have a ripple effect in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world where Israeli academic institutions are seeking to expand their footprint as part of […]
more…17 Dec, 2013
New Thai, Lao PDR Bridge Completes ‘Missing Link’ in Key Regional Corridor
Vientiane, ADB Media release, 11 December 2013 – A new bridge straddling the Mekong River between Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is open for business, signaling completion of physical works along one of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s (GMS) most critical economic corridors. “The bridge is the ‘missing link’ along the North-South Economic Corridor, […]
more…16 Dec, 2013
Masterpiece Speech: Former Indian President Abdul Kalam on “Creative Leadership for Transforming Societies”
Ministry of Defence, 15-December-2013, Press Information Bureau – Former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam delivered the first Defence Estate Day Lecture on ‘Creative Leadership for Transforming Societies’ here today. Here is the full text of his speech:- I am indeed delighted to deliver the First Defence Estates Day Lecture organized by the Defence Estates […]
more…15 Dec, 2013
U.S. Pilots Launch Fresh Attack on Government over Etihad Deal
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 12, 2013 -The following is the full text of a statement issued by the Air Line Pilots Association. Today’s announcement by Etihad Airways that the airline will be offering service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), coming on the heels of last week’s announcement that Qatar Airways would begin service to DFW […]
more…15 Dec, 2013
Indian VP Cites Ways to Make South Asia a Critical Player in the Rising Asian Century
Pune, India, 14-December-2013, Vice President’s Secretariat – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari has said that new technologies are blurring the political, geographical and socio-cultural boundaries that have kept the world divided over millennia. Today we are increasingly interlinked, have enhanced competition, and are beneficiaries of the globalized market place. Speaking on […]
more…13 Dec, 2013
China deputy minister stresses “tiny steps” to raise retirement age
BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Raising the retirement age in progressive steps is in line with China’s labor market realities and should be prioritized, an official said Tuesday. Hu Xiaoyi, deputy minister of Human Resources and Social Security, told Xinhua in an interview that considering China’s current development stage and some emerging problems, raising the […]
more…12 Dec, 2013
Writers “expose tyrannies, opportunists and killers” – Winner of Egyptian Literature Prize
Cairo, Ahram Online, Wednesday 11 Dec 2013 – Ahram Online publishes the full speech of the Syrian writer and novelist, Khaled Khalifa, the winner of the 2013 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature, granted by the American University in Cairo. Khalifa wrote his winning novel about the price that the Syrians paid under the rule of […]
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